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Biomedical subjects

Alan R Watson

Publications and source records attributed to Alan R Watson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Acute renal failure in children: etiology, treatment and outcome.

Children with acute renal failure (ARF) may be treated in pediatric renal or intensive care (PICU) units where there is an increasing use of continuous renal replacement therapies such as hemofiltration (HF). Over three years, we prospectively recorded details of all patients with ARF treated both within our regional pediatric renal unit, in two local neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and one PICU, which are all supported by our institution. Our study included eighty-three ARF patients (43% male) with a median age of 5.7 years (range 1 day - 19.8 years); 41% of patients were < 2 years, 20% 2-5 years, 13% 5-10 years and 26% > 10 years of age. A total of 37 patients (45%) were treated in the renal unit versus 46 (55%) patients in NICU/PICU. The initial treatment modality was conservative in 33%, peritoneal dialysis (PD) in 23%, hemodialysis (HD) in 15%, HF in 28%, and isolated plasmafiltration in one percent of the patients. About 16% of the patients required more than one treatment modality. Outcome data at three months showed normal renal function in 49%, deaths in 20%, dialysis dependent disease in 14%, chronic renal failure (GFR < 60ml/min/1.73m2) in eight percent, and proteinuria and/or hypertension in seven percent of the patients. Only one (3%) death occurred in 37 patients treated in the renal unit compared to 16 deaths in 46 patients (35%) treated in the NICU/PICU. Our findings further confirm the low mortality rate with isolated renal failure and the substantial mortality and renal workload in intensive care areas where renal failure is often part of multi-organ failure. Further prospective studies will be required to analyze the impact of early hemofiltration in such patients.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed2006

Transition from gastrostomy to oral feeding following renal transplantation.

Feeding through a gastrostomy button (GB) provides benefits to the families of children on chronic dialysis. But data on the transition to oral feeding following renal transplantation--especially in children under 2--is scarce. Here, we report our experience of more than 14 years in 22 children who were GB fed at under 5 years of age (median age: 1.66 years; range: 0.25-4.25 years). We excluded 6 children from the analysis of transition following transplantation because of factors precluding early return to oral feeding--specifically, cognitive impairment and a tongue tie. We compared 10 children who commenced GB feeding at less than 2 years (group 1) with those who commenced at 2-5 years (group 2, n = 6). All 16 children made the transition to normal oral feeding by 10 months post transplantation. Median duration of GB feeding post-transplant in group 1 was 0.3 years (range: 0.1-1.0 years) as compared with 0.2 years (range: 0-0.3 years) in group 2 (p = 0.2). Children with normal cognition and no other precluding factors who have a GB inserted at less than 2 years of age can make a successful transition from GB to oral feeding with no significant delay. Family support should be individualized during this period of potential anxiety.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2005

The effects of chronic renal failure on siblings.

It is well recognised that chronic illness in children can have a significant effect upon siblings, but their viewpoints need to be sought if we are to change our practice. We conducted semi-structured interviews at home with 15 siblings (8 males) aged 8-12 years whose brother/sister were on chronic dialysis or had received or were waiting for a renal transplant. The interviews were analysed using a grounded theory approach. The children also completed the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS), which revealed no statistically significant evidence that they were exhibiting chronic clinical anxiety. Qualitative data indicated that siblings had a variety of concerns concerning their own health and that of their siblings and worried about the effects on family routine and separation from parents. The siblings felt more protective towards their chronically ill sibling and felt that they themselves needed to be more grown up. The study has implications for our clinical practice in that our psychosocial assessment of families needs to include an assessment of sibling needs and siblings should be involved when preparing patients for chronic renal failure treatment. The importance of maintaining family routines should be emphasised, as well as trying to involve siblings in unit activities.

Anxiety↗
PubMed2005

Preparing children for day case nuclear medicine procedures.

OBJECTIVES: To audit standards developed for children undergoing nuclear medicine procedures involving day case attendance on the renal unit. METHODS: A prospective audit was undertaken of 210 children (113 males) undergoing day case nuclear medicine procedures in a teaching hospital department catering for adult and paediatric patients. An audit sheet was completed by both ward and nuclear medicine staff at the time of the procedure over an 18-month period. RESULTS: The majority of families were given relevant information about the procedures and adequate notice before the scan date. Most patients were offered surface analgesia for the venepuncture and play preparation before the procedure. Fifty-eight per cent of patients were successfully cannulated at the first attempt and 88% after three attempts. Only 4% of children were sedated. The median delay between the scheduled and actual scan time was 15 min, with 71% of children being scanned within the standard of a 0-20-min delay. Most delays were due to logistic problems within the department (43%). Cannulation problems (35%) and patient-related factors (22%) accounted for further delays. CONCLUSIONS: The audit of these locally agreed standards has resulted in changes in practice, including nurse training for cannulation and better scheduling within the nuclear medicine department. We believe that play preparation is an essential component for all potentially painful procedures, with few patients requiring sedation. The standards could be used for comparative audits between units.

Appointments and Schedules↗
PubMed2005

Four-year data after pediatric renal transplantation: a randomized trial of tacrolimus vs. cyclosporin microemulsion.

This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (Tac) with cyclosporin microemulsion (CyA) in pediatric renal recipients. A 6-month, randomized, prospective, open, parallel group study with an open extension phase was conducted in 18 centers from nine European countries. In total, 196 pediatric patients (<18 yr) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either Tac (n = 103) or CyA (n = 93) administered concomitantly with azathioprine and corticosteroids. The primary endpoint was incidence and time to first acute rejection (intent-to-treat). Baseline characteristics were comparable between treatment groups. Excluding deceased patients (n = 9) and patients lost to follow-up (n = 31, mostly transferred to adult care), 95% of 2-yr data (159 of 167 possible patients), 87% of 3-yr data (142 of 163) and 73% of 4-yr data (114 of 156) were retrieved. At 1 yr Tac therapy resulted in a significantly lower incidence of acute rejection (36.9%) compared with CyA (59.1%, p = 0.003). The incidence of corticosteroid-resistant rejection was also significantly lower with Tac (7.8% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.001). At 4 yr, patient survival was similar (94% vs. 92%, p = 0.86) but graft survival significantly favored Tac (86% vs. 69%; p = 0.025, log-rank test), respectively. At 1 yr, the mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (Schwartz formula, ml/min/1.73 m(2)) was 64.9 +/- 20.7 (n = 84) vs. 57.8 +/- 21.9 (n = 77, p = 0.0355), at 2 yr 64.9 +/- 19.8 (n = 71) vs. 51.7 +/- 20.3 (n = 66, p = 0.0002), at 3 yr 66.7 +/- 26.4 (n = 81) vs. 53.0 +/- 23.3 (n = 55, p = 0.0022), and at 4 yr 71.5 +/- 22.9 (n = 51) vs. 53.0 +/- 21.6 (n = 44, p = 0.0001) for Tac vs. CyA, respectively. Cholesterol remained significantly higher with CyA throughout follow-up. Three patients in each arm developed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. Incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was not different. Tac was significantly more effective than CyA in preventing acute rejection in pediatric renal recipients. Renal function and graft survival were also superior with Tac. Glomerular filtration rate appears to be an useful surrogate marker for long-term outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Irritable bowel syndrome: diagnosis and symptom management.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common problem affecting 10% of the population at some time. Its cause and pathogenesis, however, remain poorly understood. Diagnosis is usually straightforward and detailed investigations are only required when the presentation is atypical. Treating IBS is always a challenge. The concerns and expectations of the patient must be met, along with any associated psychosocial issues. Medication on its own without addressing all of these issues is usually unsuccessful.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2004

Problems and pitfalls of transition from paediatric to adult renal care.

Transition is a generic issue for subspecialties dealing with chronic illness and has received little attention to date. Transfer to adult care occurs at the end of a transition process that must be individualised for each patient and takes into account all aspects of growth and development, which may be variably impaired. Good communication with the young person, family and adult nephrologist is essential so that the anxieties of all are properly addressed. Non-compliance with treatment, particularly prevalent in adolescents, requires attention to psychological and social issues as well as medical factors. The young person must have sufficient self-management skills (which should be assessed) and there should be plans for long-term social support before transfer. Transition should be a positive process and models need to be evaluated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Multicystic dysplastic kidney and pelviureteric junction obstruction.

Two infants with nonfunctioning antenatally detected multicystic dysplastic kidneys developed acute renal failure in conjunction with pelviureteric obstruction of the contralateral kidney at 9 and 14 months of age, respectively. The initial postnatal ultrasounds had shown mild pelvic dilatation in both cases. Clinicians need to be aware of the possibility of late obstruction. We suggest that it is good practice to review patients with antenatally detected urinary tract abnormalities and equivocal investigations at joint nephrouroradiology meetings.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed2004

Optimising nutrition in chronic renal insufficiency--growth.

The need to optimise nutrition to promote growth in infants with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is well recognised, but there is less enthusiasm for such an approach in older children and those with milder degrees of CRI. Energy intakes and growth outcomes were prospectively monitored over a 2-year period in children aged 2-16 years with differing levels of severity of CRI, as part of their ongoing joint medical/ dietetic care. Children were grouped following [(51)Cr]-labelled EDTA glomerular filtration rate (GFR, ml/min per 1.73 m(2)) estimations, into 'normal' kidney function [GFR >75, mean 106 (SD 19.5), n =58], providing baseline data only, mild (GFR 51-75, n =25), moderate (GFR 25-50, n =21), and severe (GFR <25, n=19) CRI. Children were followed for 2 years, with 51 completing the study (19 mild, 19 moderate, 13 severe CRI), and were excluded if they required dialysis. None received growth hormone. Regular dietary advice was provided and yearly 3-day semi-quantitative dietary diaries and baseline and 6-monthly anthropometric measurements were obtained. Mean height standard deviation score (SDS) was maintained in those with mild and moderate CRI and significantly increased in children with severe CRI [0.1 SDS (0.32 SD), F =9.45, 1 df, P =0.003]. There was a non-significant reduction in energy intake from dietary records overall (median -8.5% estimated average requirement), associated with poor adherence to supplements in severe CRI and under-reporting in the mild group. An increase in height or body mass index SDS, however, was observed in all children who took the supplements as prescribed. A correlation between change in energy intake and change in height SDS was observed in severe CRI ( r(2)=0.58, P =0.011). Regular dietetic advice, with particular attention to adherence to optimise energy intake, may improve growth, irrespective of age and should form an integral part of the clinical care package.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Optimising nutrition in chronic renal insufficiency--progression of disease.

There is a lack of evidence to support the belief that dietary measures are beneficial in slowing the progression of chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). We prospectively monitored nutrient intakes and progression of CRI over a 2-year period in children aged 2-16 years with differing levels of severity of CRI, as part of their ongoing joint medical/dietetic care. Children were grouped following [5'Cr]-labelled EDTA glomerular filtration rate(GFR, ml/min per 1.73 m 2) estimations, into 'normal'kidney function [GFR >75, mean 106 (SD 19.5), n=58],providing baseline data only, mild (GFR 51-75, n=25),moderate (GFR 25-50, n =21), and severe (GFR <25, n=19) CRI. Children with CRI were followed for 2 years,with 51 completing the study (19 mild, 19 moderate, 13 severe CRI) and were excluded if they subsequently required dialysis. Regular medical and dietary advice was provided and yearly 3-day semi-quantitative dietary di-aries and baseline and 6-monthly measurements of blood pressure and urinary protein/creatinine ratio were obtained. Mean reductions in estimated GFR over 2 years were -9.4, -5.8, and -6.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for mild,moderate, and severe CRI, respectively. Mean systolic blood pressure standard deviation score (SDS) fell significantly in all groups by 0.7 SDS, whereas there was little change in proteinuria. From reported dietary intakes,median sodium intakes increased (+10 mmol/day) and protein intakes decreased (-0.4 g/kg per day). Median phosphate intakes did not change significantly, where as calcium intakes fell in all groups, with an overall median of -20% reference nutrient intake (RNI) (F=33.3,P<0.001). Of children with moderate CRI, 65% finished with calcium intakes below 80% RNI, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations significantly increased in this group (F=6.0, P=0.021). Higher phosphate and sodium intakes were associated with greater deterioration in estimated GFR in children with mild CRI (r2=0.30,P=0.02; r-=0.31, P=0.02, respectively). There was no such correlation for protein intake or PTH. This study emphasises the need for a joint medical and dietetic approach and indicates a number of interventions other than protein restriction, which could be commenced early in children with CRI in an attempt to delay progression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common disease that is likely to increase in prevalence as the population becomes steadily more obese. Although generally benign reflux can, if untreated, lead to severe complications. This article describes the symptoms and diagnosis of acid reflux and GORD, and reviews currently available treatments ranging from lifestyle modification to surgery.

Antacids↗
PubMed2003

Renal replacement therapy for acute renal failure in children: European guidelines.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is uncommon in childhood and there is little consensus on the appropriate treatment modality when renal replacement therapy is required. Members of the European Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Working Group have produced the following guidelines in collaboration with nursing staff. Good practice requires early discussion of patients with ARF with pediatric nephrology staff and transfer for investigation and management in those with rapidly deteriorating renal function. Patients with ARF as part of multi-organ failure will be cared for in pediatric intensive care units where there should be access to pediatric nephrology support and advice. The choice of dialysis therapy will therefore depend upon the clinical circumstances, location of the patient, and expertise available. Peritoneal dialysis has generally been the preferred therapy for isolated failure of the kidney and is universally available. Intermittent hemodialysis is frequently used in renal units where nursing expertise is available and hemofiltration is increasingly employed in the intensive care situation. Practical guidelines for and the complications of each therapy are discussed.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed2002

Standards for renal biopsies: comparison of inpatient and day care procedures.

There are no national standards for the adequacy and complications of percutaneous renal biopsies. We developed local standards that have been used in a prospective audit of biopsies undertaken in a tertiary pediatric nephrology unit between January 1997 and December 2000. We compared outcomes of biopsies performed on inpatients with day care procedures. A total of 251 biopsies (113 transplant) were undertaken, 114 (46%) as day care procedures. Adequate tissue for diagnosis was obtained in 245 (97.6%), with a standard set at >95%. This was also achieved for a mean number of passes in native (<3 in 80%) and transplanted (<2 in 80%) kidneys. Eleven patients (4%) developed macroscopic hematuria (standard <5%) and none required transfusion. Delay in discharge occurred in 4 patients, and a further 4 returned to the ward post discharge. There was no significant difference in complication rates between inpatient and day care patients. Our local biopsy standards were met in this audit. Such standards could provide useful comparisons between units in national audit programs, as well as permitting the monitoring of individual performance as part of clinical governance. Day care procedures benefit the patient and family, as well as significantly reducing costs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Sources of information on renal conditions used by families.

Information for families on their child's renal condition is an essential part of clinical care and our unit has produced a number of booklets and audiovisual materials. We wished to evaluate whether our information strategy needed to be updated, especially with the increasing use of the internet. Families attending general renal (GR) ( n=84) or chronic renal failure (CRF) ( n=42) clinics completed a questionnaire about the sources of information they had used. The commonest source was booklets (86% of CRF and 48% of GR, respectively). Many of the CRF group obtained information from other families, members of the multidisciplinary team, and television programmes. Internet usage was quoted by 23% of families from the CRF group and 20% of the GR group. The survey encourages us to continue updating our present booklets and audiovisual materials with development of material for internet use. Renal units should be encouraged to assess their own information strategy.

Adult↗